Sometimes, you just want to relax in your backyard without the outside public looking. So, what can one do here?
You don’t have to screen a patio without building a structure. Consider planting perennial ornamental grass for privacy instead.
Let’s see more about this!
What Is Ornamental Grass and How Does This Work?
Think of ornamental grass as a great big privacy screen in your yard. These tall grasses cover the view that an outsider would usually see, providing privacy in your yard and screening for a seating area.
Additionally, this type of grass adds texture and landscape to your yard. Not only this, but they are also super easy to care for!
8 Best Tall Ornamental Grasses for Keeping Things Private
Let’s talk about the 8 different types of ornamental grass you can keep.
Ornamental grasses grow very quickly, are easy to maintain, and will create privacy and visual effects. The new plants fill in the gaps rapidly as well.
Let’s look at each one of them individually:
1- Zebra Grass (Chinese Silver Grass)
This grass is prized for its distinctive striped foliage. The leaves are green with creamy yellow stripes, resembling a zebra’s stripes, hence the name.
Zebra grass can reach up to 5 feet to 6 feet tall. It blooms with feathery plumes in late summer to fall and is best in full sun.
2- Pink Muhly Grass (Pink Hair Grass)
This ornamental grass is a beautiful addition that features delicate pink to purple plumes in the fall. Such plants with variegated color and texture are a popular choice to add privacy and beauty.
It is also used as a border or accent plant, adding a pop of color to any outdoor space.
3- Ravenna Grass
Ravenna grass is really tall and can reach up to 12 feet tall, adding privacy in the garden.
It is native to the Mediterranean region and is known for its graceful arching leaves and feathery plumes of flowers that appear in late summer.
4- Blue Oat Grass
Blue oat grass is unique and is prized for its attractive blue-gray foliage and clumping habit.
It grows in dense tufts of narrow, arching leaves that turn a stunning shade of blue in full sun.
5- Feather Reed Grass
This medium-height screening plant typically grows in clumps and reaches heights of 3-5 feet tall.
It can be planted in full sun to part shade and is known for its striking appearance in the garden due to its yellow tips.
Among the many cultivars of feather reed grass, the “Karl Foerster” cultivar is the most popular.
6- Pampas Grass
Pampas grass is a tall, feathery grass native to South America. It is popular for its flower heads and is commonly used in landscaping and floral arrangements.
However, it is considered an invasive species in some regions due to its aggressive growth habits.
7- Fountain Grass
This grass grows in clumps and can reach heights of up to 3 to 5 feet tall.
Fountain grass thrives in full sun but can tolerate shade too.
8- Bamboo Plants
Last but not least, a bamboo plant is a great privacy option for your garden.
They are considered invasive, but you can control them by planting clumping grass rather than those that are spread by runners.
Additional Info & Tips To Keep In Mind
Cut back ornamental grass and plants either in the fall or early spring to promote new growth.
Planting perennial ornamental grasses in a raised bed can stretch the growing zone and the plant can grow taller.
Water young plants regularly. Old ornamental grass is drought tolerant and you likely won’t have to water mature plants, same goes for most established plants.
Dwarf cultivars of these grass exist too so it’s smart to always check the plant tag before going in with your choice.
You Now have Expertise on Tall Ornamental Grass for Privacy Purposes !
We have arrived at the conclusion, and this is pretty much all there is to the different types of privacy hedges.
You can use these economical ways to achieve privacy on your property or you could share it to impress your peers. It is a win-win either way!